In veterinary medicine, oncology represents a broad area of research. Despite some geographic variability, the annual incidence of naturally occurring tumors in pets is similar to the rate in humans, and cancer represents also in pets a leading cause of death. Besides, induced cancer models are less effective than spontaneous ones and since pets share with humans several anatomical, physiological, environmental, and nutritional features they are considered valuable spontaneous cancer model. Comparative oncology is therefore gaining significance in the “one health” approach and it offers novel opportunities for both veterinary and human patients (https://ccr.cancer.gov/Comparative-Oncology-Program). This research topic is run in the field veterinary pathology and includes a morphological, phenotypical, and molecular characterization of different cancer types with particular focus on cancer progression, metastatic drivers, and intercellular communication. Mostly studied cancer types are mammary cancer and melanoma which are approached by a comparative and highly innovative perspective through both analyses of primary spontaneous cancers and in vitro and in vivo studies.

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